Bluff

by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

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Pub Date Apr 02 2019 | Archive Date Apr 01 2020

Mystery & Thrillers

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Description

"Driven by the heart-pounding suspense of a high-stakes poker game, Bluff is a vivid, compelling novel about deceit, seduction, and delicious revenge that will keep you spellbound and cheering as you turn the last page." -Susan Cheever, New York Times bestselling author

One-time socialite Maud Warner polishes up the rags of her once glittering existence and bluffs her way into a signature New York restaurant on a sunny October day. When she shoots Sun Sunderland, the "Pope of Finance," as he lunches with "accountant to the stars" Burt Sklar - the man she's accused for years of stealing her mother's fortune and leaving her family in ruins - she deals the first card in her high-stakes plan for revenge.

Maud has grown accustomed to being underestimated and invisible, and uses it. Her fervent passion for poker has taught her that she can turn weakness into strength to take advantage of people who think they are taking advantage of her. It's uncanny how she reads them.

Her intimates in New York high society believe that "Mad Maud" accidentally missed Sklar, her real target. But nothing is as it first appears as she weathers the unexpected while following her script. And while Maud is on the run, the dark secrets of men who believe their money and power place them above the law will be exposed. Betrayal, larceny, greed, sexual battery, and murder lurk beneath the surface of their glittering lives.

One unexpected twist after another follows as we watch a fierce, unapologetic Maud play the most important poker hand of her life. The stakes? To take down her enemies and get justice for their victims. Her success depends on her continuing ability to bluff. And on who will fold.

Can she win?

Advance Praise

"With the heart-pounding suspense of a high-stakes poker game, Bluff is a vivid, compelling novel about deceit, seduction, and delicious revenge that will have you spellbound and cheering as you turn the last page." —Susan Cheever, New York Times bestselling author

"Jane Hitchcock pulls off another stunning tour de force in her newest crime novel, Bluff. Nobody writes high society and its down-low denizens better than Hitchcock—and this book is her best yet. It's all in the cards—and it's masterful." —Linda Fairstein, New York Times bestselling author

"Jane Stanton Hitchcock's Bluff is the royal flush of suspense novels! The queen of both writing and poker aces it again!" —Linda Kenney Baden, celebrated attorney, legal commentator, and author

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781464210679
PRICE	$26.95 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 73 members

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Featured Reviews

Susan B, Reviewer

Whoa! Why hasn't anybody told me about Jane Stanton Hitchcock? Bluff is the first book by her that I've read and I'm hooked.

I don't usually like first person, present tense in books, but Hitchcock makes it work beautifully. "Mad" Maude is an ex-socialite whose family was scammed out of a fortune by a slick, icky financial wizard and her whole life revolves around hating him. The story of Maude is woven intricately with other socialites, with a nod to their shallow, vapid money-oriented lives.

Maude's a poker player and a good one. Her life is permeated by the methods and magic of poker and she uses them to her advantage. I love the way the story connects and interconnects and comes to a final, satisfying conclusion. It was hard to put this book down and now I start my search for more Jane Stanton Hitchcock books. One of the best books I've read in awhile!

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Quirky K, Reviewer

Maud, Maud, 'Mad' Maud....how I love you! You are just simply brilliant!

The cover is unique and awesome.

This was an ingenious, well thought out, intelligent novel which deserves many praises!

So, so, so, so GOOD!

The title Bluff is... well pretty much what the title says. The book is pretty well thought out, well executed to the end and gets major points for its originality of the story.

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I absolutely adore Maud, the ex-socialite who was scammed out of her inheritance by greedy climbers. She is also a poker player. Her love for poker knows no bound. She integrates the themes and concepts of poker rules into her life. She uses them to her advantages.

I just love the snarky humors on upper class society.

The novel started out with a bang and ended with the most satisfying bang. I cannot wait to see what the author has to bring to the table.

I'd give this book a high 4 stars!

I received this highly entertaining ARC from Poison Pen Press from Net Galley and BookishFirst in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. Thank you!

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Jamie S, Reviewer

I have yet to read a Jane Stanton Hitchcock book that
1) I haven't loved
2) hasn't had an original plot
3) hasn't had amazing characters with loads of depth
4) wasn't good for at least one incredible plot twist.

Thank you for the opportunity to read such a great book! I can't wait for her next one!

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Coralee H, Reviewer

Ingenious and wonderful. Hitchcock was unknown to me. After finishing Bluff I immediately ordered 2 more of her novels. Agatha Christie often used her mystery format as a way to write clever social commentary. Hitchcock does this here. This is a timely, fun commentary on social classism in the United States. I loved the protagonist Mad Maud.

Maud is a plotter and planner who has learned to play the game of life from playing poker. I do not a thing about poker. I do know a great read when I find one. If you are needed a laugh, or hoping for a book that combines suspense with joie de vivre, this one is for you.

Very highly recommended.